In a historic victory, Democratic Assembly candidate Marisa Sweeney has defeated incumbent Assemblyman Christian Barranco in the 25th Legislative District.

While there are still outstanding Vote by Mail and provisional ballots to be counted, Sweeney’s lead is insurmountable. She has earned 47,926 votes, over Barranco at 47,262.

Sweeney is the first Democrat to win the district since the 1970s. “I am truly honored and humbled to have been elected to serve as Assemblywoman for LD25, a district that hasn’t seen a Democratic representative since 1978,” said Assemblywoman-elect Sweeney. “As a lifelong public servant and community builder, I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of this community. This is an incredible opportunity to bring my energy and our shared vision to a broader platform, and to work tirelessly for the real, lasting change our district and our state deserve.”

First-time candidate Sweeney holds a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition and has built a career focused on the intersection of healthcare, equity, and community wellness. She is the founder of Be Well Integrative Health Services, headquartered in Morristown, and serving patients nationwide. She is also the co-founder of the New Jersey VegFest, one of the country’s largest plant-based food festivals. In addition, she launched the Morristown Mayors’ Wellness Campaign, serves on the Morristown Planning Board and the Board of Directors of Grow It Green Morristown.

Sweeney ran with Steve Pylypchuk, a Morristown Councilman, civil engineer, and member of the Town Board of Adjustment.

As of today, the pair were the top vote getters in the Morris County portion of the District, with Sweeney earning 43,682, and Pylypchuk, 41,705. The Republican incumbents Aura Dunn received 41,693, and Christian Barranco, 40,814.

However, with votes included from the Passaic County municipality of West Milford, the results are: Dunn 48,175; Sweeney 47,926; Barranco, 47,262, and Pylypchuk 45,776.

In the Primary, Sweeney and Pylypchuk ran with Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop on the “Democrats for Change” slate. At the time, then-Morris County Democratic Committee Chair Amalia Duarte chose not to run candidates against them, and spoke in support at their April campaign kickoff.

After the Primary, the Morris County Democrats embraced Sweeney and Pylypchuk, who canvassed for local and county candidates throughout the LD25 District. “We knew this year there was a real opportunity to break through in the 25th District with Mikie at the top of the ticket and two terrific candidates. We’ve been one team, working together for this win. I am so proud of Marisa and grateful to Steve for all his hard work,” said Morris County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Darcy Draeger.